Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
BE READY Middle &
BE READY Middle &
High School
High School
Parent Tip Sheet School Year
Parent Tip Sheet Summer Time
• Implement a quiet time at home when everyone is expected to do homework, read or just sit quietly. It sends the message that education is important to you.
Did you know that youth typically lose one to two months worth of reading and math skills when they are not engaged in learning during the summer? They score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer. Parents can help prevent this from happening.
• Even if you can’t help her with her homework, support your teen by creating a space where she can focus.
• READ! Encourage your teen to read newspapers, magazines, books, comics, the Internet, etc.
• Ask your child about what keeps him excited about going to school. Sports? Clubs? A specific teacher? Friends?
• Get a copy of the summer reading list for your teen’s reading level from school.
• Ask your teen how school was every day. • Remember to listen.
• Talk to your child’s teacher to learn what it takes to get promoted to the next grade and whether your child is on track. • Ask your teen which kinds of careers interest her. •
Encourage your teen to write and draw. Get him a journal or notebook where he can be creative.
• Learn what it takes to graduate from high school in your teen’s district and encourage him to stay on track. • Practice math daily, as part of cooking, grocery shopping, tracking weather, etc. Teaching your teen to read a recipe, measure ingredients and divide portions equally is a great way to learn fractions. • Invite your child to share a special meal or time with you. • Talk to the Boys & Girls Club staff and mentor working with your child to find out how you can work together.
• Read news articles aloud together and then discuss what you have read. Encourage your teen to speak out on local issues that are important to him. For example, have him write a letter to the editor of the newspaper or to a government official. • Have your teen teach you something that she knows how to do, like set up a page on a social networking site or send a text message on your phone. • Keep a regular routine. Though summer should be more relaxed, young people still need some structure to guide their days and keep them sleeping well and eating right. • Do good deeds. Encourage your teen to serve others in your community by doing yard work for an elderly neighbor, visiting a nursing home or hospital, donating toys or working at a food bank or animal shelter.